Contents:
- Autism and ADHD – why are they often confused?
- Similarities in everyday life
- Differences in functioning – what is key from a diagnostic perspective
- When do autism and ADHD occur together?
- How can you tell the difference between autism and ADHD?
- The impact of these disorders on education and everyday life
- Do autism and ADHD share common causes?
- Related articles
Autism and ADHD are two neurodevelopmental disorders which, despite having different diagnostic criteria, can often occur together and co-occur in the same person. Modern diagnosis and in-depth assessment are making it increasingly possible to distinguish between their characteristic symptoms and to identify instances where they may occur together or overlap in the functioning of children and adults. Both autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have multifactorial causes, including genetic factors, which underlines the complexity of these disorders.
Autism and ADHD – why are they often confused?
Many parents, teachers and specialists note that ASD and ADHD can be difficult to distinguish, particularly in early childhood. This is because symptoms such as communication difficulties, problems with concentration, hyperactivity and social withdrawal overlap in a child’s behaviour. The similarities are particularly noticeable when both disorders involve difficulties with social relationships, behavioural flexibility and emotional regulation.
Importantly, the autism spectrum is very often associated with a different way of processing stimuli, whereas in the case of ADHD, the key features are difficulties with attention control, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
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Similarities in everyday life
Although ADHD and autism are distinct clinical conditions, some of the difficulties observed in children and adults may appear similar.
In both people with autism and those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the following can be observed:
- difficulties with flexible thinking,
- organisational problems,
- difficulty in focusing and sustaining attention,
- inappropriate responses to a stimulus,
- specific styles of communication,
- difficulty in interpreting social cues,
- behaviour in a child that is interpreted as unusual or impulsive.
Some people also experience excessive arousal, which may stem both from the characteristics of ADHD and from the fact that people on the autism spectrum often perceive stimuli too intensely or are highly sensitive to environmental stimuli.
Differences in functioning – what is key from a diagnostic perspective
Autism
Autism is primarily associated with differences in communication, social interactions and stereotyped patterns of behaviour. People on the autism spectrum typically have a distinct sensory profile, including difficulties arising from sensory integration disorders.
Some children and adults also experience problems arising from hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimuli.
Children with autism often experience difficulties in initiating and maintaining interactions, as well as repetitive behaviours and a strong need for predictability.
In the case of autism spectrum disorder, relational skills are a key element of the diagnosis.
ADHD
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a condition characterised by difficulties with impulse control, regulating activity and concentration.
The symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity, a tendency to react quickly – often without thinking – and difficulty maintaining concentration and planning activities.
In some cases, the form of ADHD characterised by predominantly attention-related difficulties predominates; this is referred to as ADHD with predominantly inattentive symptoms – children with this form tend to show less hyperactivity and more difficulty concentrating on tasks.
Importantly, ADHD is often characterised by symptoms that affect daily functioning, education, relationships and everyday responsibilities.
Some children often display hyperactive behaviour, whilst others are more impulsive or have organisational difficulties.
When do autism and ADHD occur together?
There is a group of children and adults in whom autism and ADHD co-occur in the same individual. In such cases, we refer to a ‘dual diagnosis’ or an AUDHD profile. People with a dual diagnosis, as well as children with autism and ADHD, have more complex developmental needs. These difficulties usually include both social problems and hyperactivity or attention deficits.
Experts emphasise that ADHD within the autism spectrum and autism with ADHD can differ significantly from the classic presentation of ADHD.
When ADHD occurs alongside autistic traits, the pattern of functioning appears less predictable and more dependent on the environment.
It is also worth bearing in mind that autism spectrum disorder and ADHD require different therapeutic approaches, but joint behaviour modelling and sensory support can be particularly beneficial.
This is because children with ADHD and autism, as well as people on the autism spectrum, experience difficulties with both flexible thinking and impulse control.
How can you tell the difference between autism and ADHD?
The diagnostic process must be clinical in nature, based on the patient’s medical history, observation and standardised tools. Differential diagnosis requires consideration of, amongst other things:
- or do the difficulties stem from social perception, as in autism,
- are problems with concentration the main issue, as with ADHD,
- whether behaviours are of a sensory nature,
- whether impulsivity stems from regulatory deficits (ADHD) or rather from a lack of understanding of social cues (autism),
- are there any characteristics typical of intellectual developmental disorders,
- are there any signs of restricted interests (autism),
- whether psychomotor hyperactivity (ADHD) is more common.
It should also be borne in mind that people with ADHD experience difficulties in many areas simultaneously, whilst for people with autism, social and communicative barriers are of a different nature to those experienced by people with attention deficit disorder.
Do you need some help?
Diagnosis of ASD and ADHD at the Dialog Centre for Children and Families
A comprehensive psychological assessment covering both the autism spectrum and ADHD — all in one place, without the need to consult several specialists.
The impact of these disorders on education and everyday life
Whether we are talking about autism, ADHD or AUDHD, these difficulties can affect social interactions, relationships, learning, education and work. Children with ADHD, referred to as children with ADHD, may require strategies to support their concentration and organisation. For children on the spectrum, however, a stable environment and predictability are essential.
Both autism and ADHD can affect the way in which therapists, teachers and psychologists support parents and their children. Children with these conditions often experience difficulties with adaptation, social interaction and organisation.
Do autism and ADHD share common causes?
Although the aetiology is multifactorial, it is known that the causes of these disorders may include genetic, environmental and neurobiological factors. Early experiences, the way stimuli are processed and individual developmental patterns also play a role. Not all the mechanisms are understood, but research indicates that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of both ADHD and autism.
Bibliography
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).
- World Health Organisation. International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
- Barkley, R. A. – work on ADHD and executive functions.
- Happé, F., Frith, U. – research into autism and cognitive functions.
- Research in Developmental Disabilities – articles on AUDHD and co-occurring disorders.
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders – articles on the autism spectrum and differential diagnosis.
- The Polish Psychological Association – standards for diagnosis and clinical practice.
Read more
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